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Have you ever lived out a dream? Almost 30 years ago, I graduated from Emory University, worked the Atlanta Olympics, and turned 21 during the Opening Ceremonies. I didn’t think anything could ever top that experience.
Fast forward to today. When I learned the Paris Olympics would take place just after my youngest child graduated from high school, I knew I needed to give them their own Olympic memories.
Most of us will never have what it takes to compete in the Olympics, but what is it like to attend the world’s most iconic sporting event?
Follow us through Paris this week to get a glimpse of the City of Lights like you’ve never seen it before!
Come with Me to Paris
Over 10,000 athletes from 204 nations will compete in 329 events across 32 sports in 16 days. As if that wasn’t mind-blowing enough, the majority of the competitions are taking place at iconic landmarks in and around Paris.
As an athlete and sports enthusiast, it’s been on my radar to come to Paris for the Summer Olympics, but to be able to come with my kids is a dream come true.
Olympic Athletes Everywhere
One of the coolest things about the Olympics is just spending time in the city or the metro with all the athletes and competitors. You hear so many languages being spoken and get to meet people from all over the world that you might never otherwise encounter. It’s such a beautiful sense of being just a small part of this beautiful world.
Olympic Pin Trading
An underlying competition of the Olympic Games is pin trading. I remember starting my own collection during the 1996 Olympic games, passing on the tradition to my kids on multiple trips to Disney World, and now seeing my son really run with it here in Paris. Some of the most unique pins have come from the various Olympic Team members. It provides a unique way to start a conversation with a stranger and learn something new about who they are and where they come from.
Don’t Forget about the French Food
Of course, I couldn’t talk about the Olympics in Paris without talking about the food! From crepes and croissants to macarons and meals alongside the Seine, we joked that we didn’t mind walking up the hundreds of steps on the Eiffel Tower just to walk off all those delicious calories.
Don’t Skip the Seine River Cruise
Speaking of the Seine, a cruise on the Seine River is the perfect way to see the major monuments of Paris, especially at the beginning of your trip.
We went during the day, but a nighttime river cruise is equally as magical. (Remember, that’s exactly how the athletes arrived for the Opening Ceremonies).
Clubhouse 24
I reconnected with my longtime friend, Dusty, who was in Paris working at the Olympics. Clubhouse 24 was a hospitality area set up in a museum and acted as a a mini museum highlighting the history of Olympics.
It’s a very interactive experience where you get to see Olympic posters and torches from the past, but also take a break to eat, drink, and watch the competition on a big screen.
